I hear this ALL the time.. "but Marti - eating healthy is SO EXPENSIVE..." I would like to reply..." well - what is your health WORTH to you? Real food can be more expensive than processed junk - but eating healthier does NOT have to blow your bank account! Here are a few tips to save you some money at the grocery store...

7 ways to Eat Healthier on a Tight Budget

1. Go in with a plan - make a list. Make out your list for the eating for the week and go into the store with a list! Stay away from RANDOM purchases that suck your wallet dry. (unnecessary)

2. Coupon apps - well I'm kind of obsessed with target so one of my favorite coupon apps is Cartwheel! So much savings happening and its SUPER easy! Download the app, browse the deals (you can even scan things at the store with your phone to see if there is a coupon for it) and then the coupons to your list! At the cash register all you have to do is have the clerk scan the barcode on your phone! Boom. Savings.

Another tip is to scan the weekly grocery ads! See what is on sale and make your plan for the week and your list accordingly.

3. Stock up on the basics - a bit at a time. You don't have to buy EVERYTHING at once! Pick up a few things at a time. Choose wisely! - olive oil, coconut oil, spices, baking supplies, etc are all must haves to have on hand. Buy the items when they are on sale and invest in stocking your cabinets.

4. There are many food basics that are NOT expensive: think with me: oats, beans, rice, eggs (usually), pasta, bananas, carrots, celery - brainstorm with me. There are a TON of food basics that are not expensive and very versatile!

5. Buy in bulk - on items you will be sure and use up! I especially like to use my Costco card for items like toilet paper, paper towels - the items that WILL be used up! Some of my other Costco staples are baking supplies, spices, frozen veggies, cottage cheese and meat. If you are buying vegetables and you are afraid of them going to waste before you can use them - share with a friend or stick them in the freezer! Don't let anything go to waste.

6. Buy produce that is in season. Looking for a list of this? Pinterest my friends.

7. Frozen veggies and fruit - stock up on them! They are just as healthy as FRESH if not more healthy. This produce is picked at their peak ripeness and then FLASH FROZEN to lock in their nutrients. Often bags of things like mixed vegetables, broccoli and others is on sale for a DOLLAR or less and you will get about FOUR servings per bag.

What did you find helpful?How do you save while shopping for groceries?